Captain Judy Helmey
Miss Judy Charters
"Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!"
124 Palmetto Drive
Savannah, Georgia 31410
912 897 4921 or 912 897 3460 fax
www.missjudycharters.com
September 8, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and "Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Here's a "leg-up" on casting information. However, you must check the regulations to find out what's a legal cast net and what's not….
Lets talk a little about mud minnows. This is always a great "stand by bait" and it's almost always available. However, when the shrimp are running rampaged mud minnows used as bait might fall a little short in regard to the "best bait used for a serious catching game."
However, they are great baits to consider. Catching mud minnows can be done with a baited trap or a cast net. The net used must be at least a ¼ mesh, which brings me to suggesting that you best "check out the current regulations!"
Mud minnows also work when "DUO" hooked up as bait. It seems that they also offer some scent as well as a "fish calling vibration!" The thing about the mud minnows is that during a high tide they hide deep in anything that they can. When it's low they seek the shallowest water that they can find.
As far as what they eat, Captain Ray calls these small minnows "saltwater piranha." The reason being is that when they eat they tare at it very aggressively. I know that it's hard to believe that something this small can do some much damage to a piece of shrimp. However, in this case there is definitely "power in numbers!"
This is that time of the year where you have small shrimp and juvenile fish in the feeding pattern. This means your bait is going to be put to the test and it's true value isn't going to last long. So therefore some of the old timers forget the real stuff and go artificial. As you know Berkeley baits has come a long way in regards to impregnating their artificial lures. The gravy that they are using smells, feels, and looks like the real thing. Not only do fishermen know this but also the fish, because they eat it up. You can use it whole or cut it up in some cases it doesn't matter.
At this time of the year especially when small fish as well as bait are theme it's suggested to go with 3-inch Berkeley GULPS shrimp patterns. This look and smell like the real thing. The only thing that this bait won't do is "flip their tail." However, under a popping or mini float a few direct "pops" should seal this biting deal!
The best-proven color for this time is "New Penny." It's best to hook it up the same way you do the real thing, which is right under the horn. Since artificial baits don't have a "horn" it suggested placing the hook ½ inch for the shrimp head point. This artificial bait works! , One reason is it has the power of staying on the hook longer. The second is that prefect smell keeps getting delivered with every pop of the float.